PERHAPS IT WAS FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

A story of God's grace, His patience, and how He always has a plan.

Soooooo, lots has changed in the last 2 months and it has been quite a whirlwind, but honestly an extremely peaceful whirlwind at that. Usually I do not deal well with change, I usually experience such anxiety with the uncertainty that comes with change, and yet I am so overwhelmed with peace and excitement.

About 2 months ago I was retrenched from my job, and I had no idea what I was going to do. However, I was not left hanging. God has such a beautiful way of preparing us for everything that comes our way. Since the beginning of the year, I have learnt so much about finances and stewardship over my finances that I was able to pay off all my debt, budget, save, and invest! So much so that I had enough money to cover me for two months after I was retrenched. I had no reason to try rush and jump into something I did not really want to do. So instead I rested, prayed, and meditated on which direction God wanted me to go in this next season.

I had been praying for a while (I'd say since my mission trip in December) that I was ready to wholeheartedly live for God's kingdom in any way, shape, or form. I told God, "that's it, I'm ready to sell everything I have and live a life on mission for you." So I'd been researching and asking around on how to get involved in full time missionary work. Someone I knew in the missionary field said something so wise to me, he said, "We must be careful not to be like Peter. He was so on fire for the Lord that he told Jesus, 'I will go anywhere you go. I will even die with you.' And yet when the time came to prove his faithfulness he denied knowing Jesus three times." However, Jesus knew he would do this and even warned Peter. Jesus still showed him grace by mentioning him by name when he arose from the dead, and after that Peter did go on to die for him, and brutally so.

Sometimes we are not yet ready to serve God in the way we so passionately feel we could. We try to jump into something that we cannot comprehend. But I believe God is faithful and gracious to our desires, and he starts to prepare us for them. I had to work in the position I worked in as an estate manager. I learnt so much that I will use in this next season. It also helped me earn enough to pay off my debt and to save.

Let's get to the present day. I had heard there was a position available at LIV Lanseria, which is a nonprofit organisation that helps orphans and places them into foster care. I had served there a couple times with the young adults in my church. However, I had no idea what the position was for. I applied saying, "Hi there, I heard you have a position available. I am not too sure what it is for, however here is my CV and I would love to be involved in any way I can." And amazingly so it was for an Event Coordinator position.

For those of you who don't know, I studied fashion and then decided to go into the events industry because I loved hosting them so much during my college years. I'd worked then in the events industry right up until the opportunity of the estate manager. Slowly I just saw how God had prepared me for such a time as this. I saw how even though my own free will and choices had led me to make certain decisions, he had used them to teach me and equip me for this exact position. (Even through the jobs that had nothing to do with the events industry.)

In the interview we spoke about God the whole way through, and it was so refreshing to be so open about Him in a workplace. (LIV is a Christian organisation.) We spoke about spiritual warfare, and about keeping God at the center. The more we went on, the more excited I got because I started seeing God's pieces coming together for my life!

The next morning during my morning time with God, he started giving me ideas upon ideas, and showing me visions about what he is going to do at LIV. Needless to say it was though I knew and was certain that I had the job even though I hadn't been told yet.

I had my second interview the next morning, and I got so emotional with the origin story and vision for LIV I literally cried. I knew this is where I had to be! Since I was 7 years old I knew I was going to be involved with orphans in some way, and this was it. God had orchestrated my entire life to lead up to this point. Even though many other seasons were for many other reasons. Being a youth leader and a worship leader for one. These years had a massive impact on my life.

But now, I get to do something that makes a difference in the community! The reason I knew I wasn't being called to the UK with my parents when they immigrated. The reason I knew I was placed here in SA, specifically Johannesburg. And my obedience has led to fulfilment that is not of this world.

Although, you should know, since I started here the spiritual attacks have not stopped. I've been swarmed with anxiety, and doubt, and fear, and I'm learning to trust God through it because everything is a major adjustment. I'm earning much less that what I'm used to. However, I came across a Proverb that said, "God will not let the godly go hungry". And I am reminded of his provision over the years. He will go before me and prepare the way. He will provide, I just need to continue being faithful.

In amongst the job situation, I am also moving out in a month, into a place with a friend. I have officially moved churches, because I had been called elsewhere, not because something happened at the other Church. And even with all this uncertainty and change, I feel so joyful and blissful about the new chapter and plan that God is leading me into. I go where He leads. I follow Him in faith because He has never failed me yet.

I pray you are encouraged that God is constantly preparing you for something greater than what you've got planned! I pray you are encouraged to be obedient and surrender your plans to Him and allow Him to guide and lead you where you must go. I pray your faith becomes strengthened through the trials you face and that with your foundation solid in Christ, nothing will shake you.